Lawrence University opened its new Business & Entrepreneurship Center in Fox Commons Oct. 23 boosting the university’s ties to downtown Appleton as well as its two-year-old Business & Entrepreneurship degree program.
“This space is a dream come true,” Adam Galambos, a professor of economics who is the executive director of the B&E Center. “This space would be wonderful anywhere, but I especially love that it is right here in the middle of downtown Appleton.”
The center is on the second floor of Fox Commons and includes a multipurpose room, study/meeting space and a finance lab with computer stations. Galakmbos said he anticipates the center will be used for business and community events including concerts, lunch and learns, networking, lectures and pitch contests.
“We are aiming to build partnerships with community organizations and with businesses in the center,” Galambos said before announcing it has a partnership with business startup accelerator gener8tor.
Student Nico Manzanera said, “It will be a place where we can experience real world scenarios, create real-world connections and expand our minds as entrepreneurs before we truly enter the ‘real world.”
Lawrence University President Laurie Carter painted a similar picture when talking about the plans for the Pre-Health Commons that will be constructed on the third floor of Fox Commons and ius expected to be completed in 2025.
“Lawrence is focused on strengthening career readiness for all of our students” Carter said.
The Fox Commons project is redevelopment of the former City Center Plaza being led by Dark Horse Development and Boldt. It will include student housing for Lawrence University and offices for Prevea Health and Mosaic Family Health through Fox Commons. Additional tenants could include retail or food and beverage businesses.
Carter said the project remains on schedule to be fully opened in 2025.
The city of Appleton signed a $34 million development agreement with Dark Horse and will provide $4.4-million in tax incremental financing.
